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Essay Instructions: Read the following article, Frederick Douglass, “What to the slave is the Fourth of July?”, http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/index.asp?document=162  and the Declaration of Independence, http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html. Respond to the following in your paper:
1.  Compare, contrast and discuss the major themes in these two historic documents. What points of view do they hold in common? On what points do they differ?
2.  What lessons can be learned from the past from these two documents that could be applied to the variety of examples of historical and current institutional racism presented throughout your text that impact African, Mexican, Asian, and Native Americans in the United States. (Discuss at least two lessons applying them to at least two or more chosen examples from the text.)
3.  How should these populations be viewed today – as free and independent or oppressed? Explain your rationale, supporting your position with cited examples from the text, and from at least two more additional research articles that you have discovered. (Note: Wikipedia is not to be used as an academic source).
4.  Thus, can we all celebrate the 4th of July equally? Explain your response and discuss your conclusions.  
 
double-spaced in size 12 type, with in-text citations and a cover page and bibliography,